Speculation intensifies in UK tabloids that the Queen has a succession plan that would hand over power to Charles

News Corp Australia | The West Australian

Sunday, 13 August 2017 11:24PM

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Britain’s Queen Elizabeth is reportedly set to abdicate and make Charles king in all but name in a secret Palace plan for her retirement, it has been claimed.

Her Majesty is said to have told her inner circle that if she is still on the throne at the age of 95, she will ask for a piece of legislation to grant her eldest son full power to reign while she is alive, The Sun reports.

Royal commentator Robert Jobson told the Mail On Sunday he has spoken to a number of high-ranking courtiers who say preparations for the transition of the Crown are gaining pace.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles greet at the funeral service of Patricia Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma in June.

He claims Palace communications staff have been ordered to be "up to speed" on the 1937 Regency Act -- the bill which grants power to the heir apparent.

Prince Charles to come on Queen's behalf.

The West Australian

Prince Charles to come on Queen's behalf.

Mr Jobson said one senior former member of the Royal Household told him: "Out of the profound respect the Queen holds for the institution of monarchy and its stewardship, Her Majesty would want to make sure that she has done everything she can for her country and her people before she hands over.

"Her Majesty is mindful of her age and wants to make sure when the time comes, the transition of the Crown is seamless.

"I understand the Queen has given the matter considerable thought and believes that, if she is still alive at 95, she will seriously consider passing the reign to Charles."

However Clarence House, the official residence of the Prince of Wales, has made no comment about so-called Plan Regency.

He closed his appointment diary today but he'll still attend events with the Queen

The West Australian

He closed his appointment diary today but he'll still attend events with the Queen

And it’s decision that wouldn’t be taken lightly -- a Regent can only be implemented once a decision is reached by three of the following: the Sovereign’s consort, the Duke of Edinburgh; the Lord Chancellor, David Lidington; the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow; the Lord Chief Justice, the incoming Sir Ian Burnett and Master of the Rolls, Sir Terence Etherton.

Queen Elizabeth, at 91, is the oldest and longest-serving monarch following her Coronation in 1953.

Last month, her husband Prince Philip officially retired from public duties at the age of 96.

Prince Charles has gradually been filling in for his mother and represented the head of state on foreign trips during her Diamond Jubilee year to Australia and New Zealand.

This story was originally published in The Sun and is reproduced here with their permission